Jon Beason has been a difference maker for the Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD — The Giants were on their way to an 0-6 start when they picked up Jon Beason from Carolina in exchange for some future draft picks.

Without him they might still be winless instead of heading to San Diego Sunday with a chance to make it six wins in the last seven games and get within one game of .500.

Beason has become a salvation for the Giants defense, as evidenced by his play at FedEx Field Sunday where he had 13 solo tackles and led a defense that gave up only a field goal after twio quick Washington touchdowns, carrying the Giants to a 24-17 victory.

“I think that’s the way he plays. He’s a very much-involved guy period,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin answered the media the other day when asked what he thought about Beason’s big night in Washington.

“He can go sideline to sideline, he’s a solid hitter, he looks for the contact. He’s got, I think, outstanding values and makes a very, very strong commitment for his teammates and for his team.

“He enjoys the role that he plays in terms of being a play-caller. I don’t think that it is at all. He’s had double-digit tackles since he’s been here,” said Coughlin.

The G-Men will rely on Beason’s leadership and more key tackles to keep them in the chase for a winning record - and even as remote as it seems a playoff berth.

What has Coughlin seen Beason do to generate more confidence in the defense?

“He’s one of those energetic guys that have definitely helped. Antrel (Rolle) is that kind of player as well,” said the coach. “You have some guys that are . . . but if you do have someone that goes as hard as he does and loves it as much as he does, there isn’t any question.”

Beason says he had no negative feelings when the Panthers let him go after he had lost his starting job to former Giants’ linebakcer Chase Blackburn.

“Once you go out there and win a game, you do have that confidence that you know how to do it now,” says Beason. “Everyone starts to buy in and you’re doing things the right way; the attention to detail, the small little things that really make up the difference between winning and losing because it’s so hard to win in this league.

“The fact that you win four in a row, then fifth one. It crushes you, but at the same time you get right back on the winning track and now it’s all about San Diego,” added Beason.

The key to beatng the 5-7 Chargers is shut down their quarterback Phillip Rivers, No. 3 in the NFL in terms of offensive production.

“He’s got great weapons around him,” Beason said. “He’s a gamer, a gun-slinger. I love his game. He’s a great person.

“Look at the numbers - they’re number two in the league in third down conversions. That’s the money down. That’s what we call it because this is how you either get off the field or you extend drives and get points.

“They have some big wins in our division against Philly and Dallas, so we’ve got our hands full and our work cut out for us. But we know it’s on us this week. We’ve got to stop their offense because that’s what makes them go.

“You try to look at what they do well and take that away from them. They run the ball well with (Ryan) Matthews. They have Gates, who’s a matchup nightmare for everybody. If you can take those two guys out of the game, you have an opportunity to win.

“But at the same time you know Rivers is going to make that spectacular play on third down, keep the chains moving and that’s how they win games,” Beason said.

Then there’s Danny Woodhead, a wideout who helped the Chargers more than just by catching passes.

“He’s one of those guys who has overcome the odds and I think keeps that chip on his shoulder,” said Beason, comparing the San Diego receiver to his former Carolina teammate Steve Smith.

“Steve Smith is a guy who’s going to go out there and lay it on the line because he’s always trying to prove himself. He never feels like he’s arrived, so from a distance you’re a fan just watching him.”

Like Giants players and fans have come to appreicate what Jon Beason has brought to their defense.

“I think a lot of the research we did was extremely positive about the kind of personality and energy that he brought and we were prepared for that,” said Coughlin.

* * * Tight end Brandon Myers missed practice with a sore groin, but said he will return today.

“I’ll be back full go,” Myers said. “It’s unfortunate, but when the body says you’re a little sore, you’ve got to let it rest a little bit. I’ll be back tomorrow (Friday).”

Myers is fast becoming one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets His last two games have been his best a a Giant. Myers had three catches for 39 yards, including a 27-yard TD against Dallas, then five catches for 61 yards and a 22-yard TD at Washington.

Also missing practice were running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder). Jacobs and JPP did not play in Washington, and are likely to sit Sunday.